2008 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic (sweetwater Ok) on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Live from the launch of the Yamaha FZ8

THAT, MY FRIENDS, is our test rider's transportation to the 2010 Yamaha FZ8 launch in Marseille. Today, Jon Urry will endure 700 miles in a bazzed-up Ford Transit with other UK bike journalists, thanks to the infamous cloud of volcanic ash that's turning our skies a worrying shade of crystal-clear blue. So check back later for Jon's updates on their progress to southern France.

Losail Circuit: Track Facts

This year’s MotoGP is back in the swing of things for the 2009 calendar. We’ll be keeping up with the latest race news on Motorcycle.com (See: MotoGP: 2009 Motegi Preview).  While you’re here, check out a few details and a video of the Losail Circuit.  Enjoy. Track map Lap Video Jeffery de Vries drives a 2007 Yamaha R1 at Losail Circuit.

And in my front room this evening...

NO IT'S NOT an illusion: you're looking at the 1981 Yamaha OW53, ridden by double World Champion Barry Sheene in the first three rounds of the '81 500GP championship. The bike's owner, aircraft engineering entrepreneur Chris Wilson, has lent the £100,000 GP machine to Visordown for our stand at this year's NEC Motorcycle Show - 27th November to 6th December 2009. Sheene raced the bike in the 1981 championship, where he finished fourth at Salzburgring, sixth at Hockenheim and third at Monza.